Lorena Gonzalez concedes; Bruce Harrell to be Seattle’s next mayor

SEATTLE — Seattle City Council President Lorena Gonzalez has conceded to Bruce Harrell in the race for Seattle mayor.

Gonzalez said in a tweet, “With today’s ballot drop, it’s clear that Bruce Harrell will be the next Mayor of Seattle. Earlier, I called him to congratulate him on a hard-fought race and wished him much luck in his efforts to make progress on the challenges Seattle faces.”

She also thanked all of her campaign supporters, saying that she and her supporters had knocked on more than 100,000 doors talking to voters about things such as reimagining policing, strengthening public safety and much more.

She also said although the campaign may be over, the work will continue, as there are many struggles Seattle faces.

On Thursday afternoon, Harrell had 122,836 of the votes, putting him at 62.10% and Gonzalez had 74,893 votes, sitting at 37.90%.

Harrell said if elected, people would see big changes in how the city handles homelessness.

“We will ensure our city parks, playgrounds, sports fields, public spaces, sidewalks and streets remain open and clear of encampments,” Harrell said.

Harrell also promised he will keep a housing-first approach, where no one will be moved unless they’re offered housing first.

“We will not criminalize poverty,” Harrell said.

Gonzalez had criticized Harrell for lacking a detailed funding plan, and accusing him of using “our unsheltered neighbors as political props.”

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